Leadership Ideas, Information and News

Thursday, July 16, 2015

ANG Command Chief among key speakers at Florida ANG's first Airman Development Course

by Staff Sgt. Troy Anderson
125th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/15/2015 - Jacksonville Fla. -- The Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant visited Florida Air National Guard units in and around here July 9 -11.

During his visit he held enlisted calls, presented a Senior Enlisted
Leader's Perspective session and facilitated Florida's first ever Airman
Development Course.

"I want every Airman to take away that as the Command Chief, I value
them as a human; I value them as an Airman" said Chief Master Sgt. James
W. Hotaling, Command Chief Master Sgt. of the Air National Guard.

During Hotaling's presentations he explained his Aim Points which
include: a renewed commitment to the profession of arms, a focus on
health of the force, and recognizing and embracing accomplishments.
Throughout his discussion he provided opportunities for audience
participation and feedback.

"The guidance and motivation that he was able to provide to us was
immeasurable" said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Flores, production recruiter who
attended both the course and one of Hotaling's enlisted calls. "If you
didn't leave out of there proud to be an Airman in the United States Air
Force you were sleeping."

"I believe feedback is important for any system to function
appropriately" Staff Sgt. Chad Manson, contract specialist. "So you need
that feedback from top to bottom and bottom to top."

Much of Hotaling's feedback elicited laughter, while some produced surprise.

"As I was looking at those around me, I could see that people were
engaged" said Flores. "There was a general thirst to be there. It really
showed how important this information is by having the command chief
take the time to come out and speak with us."

The main event was the Airman Development Course at the 125th Fighter
Wing here. The course proved to be a perfect opportunity for Hotaling to
convey the ANG's message to Florida's young leaders. The two day course
allowed junior enlisted ANG members the opportunity to learn from
multiple speakers on a myriad of topics pertaining to military
leadership, personal development and a renewed focus.